Five things to know about the Pelicans on Dec 5, 2018

2) On Western Conference Wednesday here, the standings continue to be exceptionally tight, with 14 teams in position to reach the playoffs. New Orleans (12-13) is No. 12 in the rundown, tied with Utah (12-13, holds 1-0 season-series edge over Pelicans). NOLA is only 1.5 games out of eighth place, as well as just three games from fifth. Dallas (12-10) is in seventh place, drastically improved from last season.